Drinking bladder

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to liquid containers. In particular, it relates to accessories that are specially configured to serve specific functions, such as a drinking bladder during activity. The drinking bladder is a container that allows various fluids to be worn around the hand for consumption during various activities. This helps aid an individual in the replenishing process of fluids to the body. This device will help prevent dehydration during a wide variety of activities in an active person&#39;s life.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/507,371, filed Sep. 30, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to liquid containers. More specifically, it is a flexible drinking bladder with a spout or an interchangeable spout assembly constructed for storing fluids for consumption on the hand which does not limit the usefulness of the other areas of the hand.

2. Description of the Related Art

The health benefits of remaining properly hydrated are well known and many containers have been created for carrying fluids. Previous container designs often cause injury or circulatory problems when carried on the body. Because of these issues, those engaging in physical activities often forego carrying a container thus leading to dehydration and the health problems related thereto. In some cases, the difficulty of remaining properly hydrated during activities prevents an individual from performing various active tasks.

Various devices have been developed to allow fluid consumption in order to replenish liquids in the body; however, some methods of containment are highly susceptible to punctures. Related art, such as White, U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,347 issued Sep. 28, 1999, discloses an elastic potable liquid wristband worn on the wrist while performing activities such as jogging. This form of attachment serves as a distraction while a jogger moves his arm in stride. Furthermore, the device is free to move up and down the wrist and forearm area.

Other fluid containers have been created that attach to parts of the body such as the arm or leg regions. Related art, such as Abreu-Marston, U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,089 issued Aug. 17, 1999, pertains to a portable liquid container that provides a fluid container used as a weight or as a source of hydration. This type of structure is likely to restrict circulation in the limb to which it is connected. Additionally, movement of the device along the limb is possible.

Another example of a fluid container designed to be attached to the body is shown in Gotta, U.S. Pat. No. 4,090,650 issued May 23, 1978. Because a solid container is employed, injury to the body is likely during any type of physical activity. Further, circulatory restriction and movement along the torso are also possible with this design.

Various elastic containers have been created for feeding and hydrating infants. I. D. Boynton and George A. Wood., U.S. Pat. No. 3,204,855 issued Sep. 7, 1965, discloses a flexible container for an infant nursing device. Although this type of container serves its purpose in infant nursing liner bottles, the structure is limited in adapting to other traditional nursing bottles.

Related art, such as Dejong, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,937 issued Jul. 9, 2002, discloses a bottle adapter that allows the interchangeable attachment of bottle nipples to traditional and disposable liner bottles. This method of attachment will not secure to other container or bottle configurations if the size or shape does not permit. When this type of adapter is connected to some narrow bottles, a space between the bottle and adapter is exposed that may be harmful to an infant.

The previous designs for portable fluid containers used for hydrating the body include many deficiencies. These devices restrict circulation of blood, serve as a distraction during physical activities, cause injury due to their design or move easily on the body.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluid container that can comfortably be worn on a user's hand.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid container that is flexible and lightweight.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fluid container that can be used during physical activities.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a fluid container which allows for transporting fluids to hydrate, cool and replenish the body.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a drinking bladder that can comfortably be worn on a user's hand that does not restrict movement or use of the hand.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplish the foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A drinking bladder is described which includes a bladder body which is impermeable to fluids, and thus, is capable of retaining a fluid within the body of the bladder. The bladder body is preferably flexible and made from a durable material such as a flexible plastic. The drinking bladder further includes a spout mounted, preferably by a removable means, on the outer surface of the bladder body. The preferable mounting means is through a threaded opening on the outer surface of the bladder body which mates with a threaded surface on the spout. The spout is preferably made from a durable, fluid impermeable material such as plastic, rubber and silicone and includes a means for dispensing fluid from within the bladder body. Preferably, the spout includes an opening means for allowing fluid to flow and a closing means for preventing such fluid flow. A spout such as a push-pull nozzle or a nipple is acceptable as are many other types of spouts. The spout may also be of a more complicated design which includes a reservoir which mounts to the outer surface of the bladder body, a ring which mounts to the reservoir, a nipple from which fluid may be dispensed, a washer which connects to the ring and which retains the nipple between the washer and the ring such that the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple extends through the washer and a cap which removably covers the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple and prevents fluid from being dispensed therefrom until the cap is removed. In this spout design, the reservoir preferably further includes a plurality of guide means which allow mounting on the outer surface of the bladder body at varying angles and an air reduction means for reducing the amount of air in the bladder body. Finally, the drinking bladder includes an attachment means for attaching the bladder body to a user. This can be a simple means such as a portion of hook and loop fastener, one or more snaps, one or more buttons or a zipper. Or, if desired, a more complicated pocket device may be used. In this embodiment, the drinking bladder is placed within the pocket device and then the pocket device is attached to the user by any appropriate means. Preferably, such attachment means provides a comfortable, non-slip attachment to the user.

A drinking bladder is described that may be attached to a user's extremity and which includes an interchangeable spout and base for carrying desired fluids for consumption. The drinking bladder includes a flexible base to which a spout is mounted. The base may be housed in a device such as the hand wallet secured to the user by use of a zipper or by elongated straps which surround the user's extremity connected to each other by means of hook and loop fastener or other appropriate fastening means. In a further preferred embodiment, the spout can be interchangeable depending on the type of consumption method. Alternatively, a nipple can be used with the spout assembly for feeding infants or an individual on a liquid diet. As previously stated, the spout assembly has the unique function of controlling the flow of fluid. In an alternate embodiment, the drinking bladder may cover the entire base of the hand but does not limit the usage of the other areas of the hand.

The present invention is designed for carrying fluids for hydrating or cooling the body while being active, whether walking, jogging, camping, attending carnivals, touring vacation spots, or going to concerts, among many other activities. The drinking bladder allows a person to carry fluids while serving as a secondary means of protection when housed in a hand wallet but is not limited in anyway to this type of containment.

The limitations of the related art previously discussed are overcome by the present invention. This invention's ability to expand, along with the flexibility of its shape, allows the fluid to shift to various areas of said drinking bladder. A variety of configurations allow this invention to contain various quantities of fluids for consumption while engaged in activities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 b shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 c shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as used in a hand wallet;

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 2 as used in a hand wallet;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the cap in detail;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the washer in detail;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the nipple in detail;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the ring in detail;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the reservoir in detail;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the spout assembly of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the internal guides in detail;

FIG. 11 a shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 b shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a mother feeding an infant with the alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 b as used in a hand wallet;

FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention as used in a hand wallet with the hand wallet in the open configuration;

FIG. 14 shows a jogger replenishing the body with fluid contained in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 shows an aerobics trainer replenishing the body with liquid contained in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Element List

-   -   20. cap     -   21. threaded opening     -   22. washer     -   24. nipple     -   26. spout operation angles     -   28. zipper     -   30. ring     -   32. reservoir guides slits     -   34. ring guides     -   36. wrist strap     -   38. hook and loop fastener     -   40. spout assembly notches     -   42. reservoir     -   44. ring guide notches     -   46. reservoir liquid outlets     -   48. hand wallet     -   50. opening     -   52. pocket     -   56. spout     -   58. bladder body     -   60. drinking bladder     -   62. reservoir air restrictor     -   64. spout assembly     -   66. locking guides

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 a-c, 3, 5-10 and 13, a drinking bladder 60 constructed to maintain and provide liquids for the body is shown and described. The bladder 60 generally includes a body 58 and a spout 56. The body 58 of the invention is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably about the hand as is further described in detail herein. Preferably, the drinking bladder body 58 embodies an appropriate durable, fluid impermeable base material, such as plastic, and preferably has a threaded opening 21 to receive the spout 56. The spout 56 can be of any design capable of being affixed to the bladder base 58 for fluid consumption and to cool the body during physical activities. The spout 56 can be of any material appropriate for use with dispensing liquids, for example, plastic. The spout 56 shown in FIGS. 1 a-c, 2-4, 11 a and 13-15 is one commonly used for dispensing liquids. To open the spout 56, the outer portion is pulled away from the bladder 60 and to closed, the outer portion is pushed back towards the bladder 60. FIGS. 14 and 15 demonstrate the spout being utilized in this pull-push method of retrieval. This allows an individual to control the flow of fluids while being active. While this type of spout 56 is shown in the preferred embodiment, many other types of spouts may be used and examples are shown in FIGS. 5-10, 11 b and 12.

The bladder body 58 is capable of holding fluids for drinking and serves as a means to cool the body as shown in FIGS. 12, 14 and 15. When filled with fluid, the bladder body 58 may also serve as protection for the hand preventing injuries during various activities. Alternatively, the fluid contained in the bladder 60 serves as a weight while performing activities such as aerobics as shown in FIG. 15. The drinking bladder 60 can be installed in a device constructed for carrying items such as a hand wallet 48 as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 12-15. In particular, FIG. 13 shows the bladder 60 installed in a hand wallet 48 with the hand wallet 48 in the open configuration. The bladder 60 is filled with liquid and placed inside the open hand wallet 48. To use this particular embodiment, the hand wallet 48 is then folded down over the bladder 60 with the spout 56 extending through opening 50. The hand wallet is then closed using a zipper 28 and maintained on the user's hand by means of the shape and a portion of hook and loop fastener extending in part around the user's wrist. Alternate embodiments of the hand wallet 48 which can be used with the present invention are shown in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/780,048, filed Feb. 17, 2004 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

An alternate spout assembly 64 shown in FIGS. 5-10 is described for delivering a desired substance from within the bladder 60. This assembly restricts the amount of air ingested by the user. By this arrangement, the spout assembly's 64 structure, as shown in FIGS. 5-10, consists of a cap 20, washer 22, nipple 24, ring 30 and reservoir 42. The cap 20 is designed to protect the nipple 24 that is formed to fit the spout assembly 64. The nipple 24 is made of a rubbery material like traditional nipples in the field of infant feeding, and is designed to fold in a downward position when the cap 20 is installed. A washer 22 attaches to the ring 30 that secures the nipple 24 and prevents fluid from escaping when in operation. The ring 30 has guides 34 that allow proper installation to the reservoir 42. In addition, the ring 30 is secured to the reservoir 42 by spout assembly notches 40. This arrangement provides a means for controlling the fluid flow from the bladder 60. The reservoir 42, as shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, along with the ring 30, provides the means for controlling the fluid flow in this embodiment of the spout assembly 64. Another purpose of the reservoir 42 is to allow interchangeable spouts to be connected as illustrated in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b; also, it has a unique inner surface 62 that aids in reducing the amount of air in the drinking bladder 60. The outer top section has outlets 46 for the fluid to be dispensed. Guide notches 44 are located on the reservoir 42 to secure the ring 30 or an interchangeable spout 56. In addition, the guide notches 44 allow the nipple 24 (or, the spout 56, not shown) as shown in FIG. 7 to be positioned at varying angles 26 to control fluid flow.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the drinking bladder 60 surrounds and conforms to the entire base area of the user's hand. As shown in FIG. 4, a hand wallet 48 can be used for this embodiment of the drinking bladder 60 as well. The configuration of the alternate embodiment of the drinking bladder 60 shown in FIG. 2 allows larger quantities of fluid to be stored. As a result, this configuration is particularly useful for activities such as aerobics or boxing as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A drinking bladder, comprising; a fluid impermeable bladder body, having an outer surface and an inner surface, capable of retaining a fluid material therein; a spout mounted on the outer surface of said bladder body; and an attachment means for attaching the bladder body to a user.
 2. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bladder body is made from a durable, flexible material.
 3. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bladder body is made from plastic.
 4. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout is removably mounted onto the outer surface of the bladder body.
 5. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the bladder body includes a threaded opening; and the spout includes a threaded surface wherein the spout is mounted to the outer surface of the bladder body by threading the spout onto the threaded opening.
 6. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout is made from a durable, fluid impermeable material.
 7. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout is made from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber and silicone.
 8. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout includes an opening means for allowing fluid to flow therethrough.
 9. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout includes a closing means for preventing fluid from flowing therethrough.
 10. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout is selected from the group consisting of a push-pull nozzle and a nipple.
 11. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spout comprises: a reservoir which mounts to the outer surface of the bladder body; a ring which mounts to the reservoir; a nipple from which fluid may be dispensed; a washer which connects to the ring and which retains the nipple between the washer and the ring such that the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple extends through the washer; and a cap which removably covers the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple and prevents fluid from being dispensed therefrom until the cap is removed.
 12. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 11 wherein the reservoir further includes a plurality of guide means which allow mounting on the outer surface of the bladder body at varying angles.
 13. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 11 wherein the reservoir further includes an air reduction means for reducing the amount of air in the bladder body.
 14. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of a portion of hook and loop fastener, one or more snaps, one or more buttons and a zipper.
 15. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a pocket device designed to be worn by and attached to a user and which is adapted to accept and retain the bladder body such that by attaching the pocket device to the user, the bladder body is also attached to the user.
 16. A drinking bladder, comprising; a fluid impermeable bladder body, made from a durable, flexible material, having an outer surface and an inner surface, capable of retaining a fluid material therein; a spout made from a durable, fluid impermeable material and removably mounted on the outer surface of said bladder body; and an attachment means for attaching the bladder body to a user.
 17. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 16 wherein the bladder body is made from plastic and wherein the spout is made from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber and silicone.
 18. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 16 wherein: the bladder body includes a threaded opening; the spout includes a threaded surface wherein the spout is mounted to the outer surface of the bladder body by threading the spout onto the threaded opening; the spout includes an opening means for allowing fluid to flow therethrough; and the spout includes a closing means for preventing fluid from flowing therethrough.
 19. The drinking bladder as set forth in claim 16 wherein the spout comprises: a reservoir which mounts to the outer surface of the bladder body wherein the reservoir includes a plurality of guide means which allow mounting on the outer surface of the bladder body at varying angles and wherein the reservoir further includes an air reduction means for reducing the amount of air in the bladder body; a ring which mounts to the reservoir; a nipple from which fluid may be dispensed; a washer which connects to the ring and which retains the nipple between the washer and the ring such that the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple extends through the washer; and a cap which removably covers the fluid dispensing portion of the nipple and prevents fluid from being dispensed therefrom until the cap is removed.
 20. A drinking bladder, comprising; a fluid impermeable bladder body, made from a durable, flexible material, having an outer surface and an inner surface, capable of retaining a fluid material therein, the bladder body including a threaded opening; a spout having a threaded surface, made from a durable, fluid impermeable material and removably mounted on the outer surface of said bladder body by threading the spout onto the threaded opening on the bladder body wherein the spout includes an opening means for allowing fluid to flow therethrough and a closing means for preventing fluid from flowing therethrough; and an attachment means for attaching the bladder body to a user. 